The rift on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. could have some much sadder repercussions than we originally imagined. We've seen what the "real S.H.I.E.L.D." revelation has done to Bobbi and Hunter and what it could mean for Coulson, but what about the other characters? Tumblr user holymolypestoaioli (so we know they're either a FitzSimmons fan or has the same taste in sandwich fixings as Fitz) suggested that Mack might recruit Fitz for "the real S.H.I.E.L.D." They say it's a long shot, but I think they're onto something, and Fitz might leave Coulson's team and his best friend behind.
I'm looking forward to the day where I don't have to refer to "the real S.H.I.E.L.D." in quotation marks anymore. It feels wrong to delegitimize this organization that probably shares similar goals with Coulson. I'm sure they're both valid. Hopefully, the flashbacks in Tuesday's episode "One Door Closes" to Mack, Bobbi, and Gonzales' experiences when the original S.H.I.E.L.D. fell (during Captain America: The Winter Soldier) will reveal both factions' goals.
Why do I think it's likely that Robert Gonzales' S.H.I.E.L.D. will get a new member? To be honest, it's been a long time coming, ever since Fitz came out of his Grant Ward-induced coma.
Here's the thing: Leo and Jemma have been drifting apart for a while now. I don't think he's ever really forgiven her for taking the undercover Hydra job when he needed her most. There's still some kind of confusing feeling between the two of them. When Simmons wasn't there, Fitz turned to Mack. It was Mack that got him talking, working, and well again. Their relationship also gave me some of my favorite scenes on this series, visually — how silly yet perfect is it to see two secret agents kick back with video games?
Now, Skye has come between Fitz and Simmons. But not like that! (Isn't that refreshing? It's such good writing.) The two scientists both care about Skye very much, but have opposing views on how her condition should be handled. Fitz wants to encourage her to understand her powers and become something extraordinary, while Simmons would rather Skye stay controlled and safe while they find answers. Those are both valid points of view, but it's causing conflict. Since Director Coulson seems to be siding with the Simmons school of thought, I can see Fitz starting to question his boss' motives as well.
On the other hand, this could spell disaster for Fitz and Mack's relationship. Mack's affiliation with "the real S.H.I.E.L.D." is another pack of secrets and betrayal. Fitz was absolutely devastated when Ward was revealed to be Hydra, and they weren't nearly as close as he and Mack are. I would not be surprised if this drew Fitz back to Simmons, Coulson, and May in a show of loyalty.
But that's exactly why it would be so interesting if this time, Fitz chose the other side. No matter how much he admired Ward, he obviously wasn't going to join Hydra. It may seem like a crazy theory, but it perfectly completes Fitz's arc for the season. FitzSimmons was once the cutest pair on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. , but things change.
Images: Patrick Wymore/ABC; superclones, skyesagents/Tumblr
